Degu Behavior

Degus are very social pet animals and need attention.

It is usually recommended to keep at least two Degus. It is possible to keep just one Degu, but a single Degu may get depressed. They definitely recognize sounds and they recognize voices. Degus are able to recognize their owners.

Because Degus are social pet animals, they rarely bite a person or another Degu. Only when Degus feel threatened, will they occasionally bite. Usually, if they feel threatened or uncomfortable, they will give a large 'WEEP!' Degus fear nothing, so protect them from ferrets, cats and dogs, and vacuum cleaners. Degus are great nest builders.

Apparently in the wild they spend a lot of making piles of twigs to nest. Status within the Degu community is thought to depend on the size of their respective nest size. Once you hand-tame these cute, little varmints, they really love social interaction with you – but easy on those treats. Degus reach sexual maturity at about 3-6 months of age. Gestation period is 90 days and litters can be from 1-9 babies with an average litter of 5. They are born fully furred with their eyes open.